Celtic Flavour To British & Irish Cup Semi-Finalists

The British & Irish Cup semi-finals will have a distinctly Celtic flavour with two Irish provinces, Leinster 'A' and Munster 'A', booking their places in the last-four along with sole Welsh survivors Cross Keys and English Championship outfit Cornish Pirates.

Munster 'A' were first to progress to the next stage of the competition after extending their winning run against Ulster Ravens to six games on Friday night.

Out-half Scott Deasy scored one of the Munster side's two tries and converted them both as well as adding a couple of penalties for a 15-point personal haul.

Cross Keys are now just two games away from winning the British & Irish Cup in their first season in the competition after a comprehensive 32-8 win over fellow Welsh Premiership side Llanelli.

Cross Keys' man-of-the-match Steffan Jones scored 22 of his side's points via a brace of tries, three conversions and two penalties.

Both of Sunday's quarter-final ties went the way of the home side, too, with 2010 champions Cornish Pirates easily seeing off Championship rivals Nottingham, while Leinster 'A' ended Pontypridd's hopes of a British & Irish and SWALEC Cup double with an equally comprehensive victory.

Rob Cook scored one of the Pirates' five tries and converted four of them to help the Duchy outfit to a 33-3 win over Nottingham.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.